State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, has filed legislation that would allow for the redevelopment of HemisFair Park but expand the number of acres at the downtown site that would be designated as park land.

House Bill 2018 and Senate Bill 930 require that a redeveloped HemisFair contain at least 20 acres of park land. Currently, HemisFair has 15 acres designated as park land. Villarreal says nine of those 15 acres are situated under the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, parking lots or other structures.

The legislation filed by Villarreal and Van de Putte on Thursday also prohibits the development of hotels at HemisFair Park.

State law typically requires that a city hold a public vote before selling or leasing park land, such as would be required for the redevelopment of HemisFair Park. H.B. 2018 and S.B. 930 would allow for redevelopment without such a vote in exchange for more designated park land at the site.

“This is an opportunity to create a large world-class park for our whole community to enjoy,” Villarreal says. “This bill ensures the park is designed for San Antonio residents — not tourists.”

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